URI Metcalf Institute Public Lectures
Explore Science and Journalism

Narragansett, R.I. -- June 3, 2003 -- Wind farming, the agendas of environmental organizations, ocean politics and policy, how corporate America is acknowledging climate change, and science literacy and public policy are the subjects of Scientists and Journalists: Getting the Point Across, a debate and lecture series sponsored by The Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting. The Metcalf Institute will hold its fifth annual workshop for journalists June 16-20 and, as part of the workshop, four public lectures and a panel debate will be held at the Coastal Institute Auditorium at the URI Graduate School of Oceanographys Narragansett Bay Campus. All events are open to the public.

Monday, June 16 3:30 p.m.

Panel Debate: Wind Turbines in Nantucket Sound-Any Objections?
Scott MacKay, The Providence Journal, moderator; Dennis Duffy, Cape Wind Associates; Isaac Rosen, Executive Director, Alliance to Save Nantucket Sound
The proposed offshore wind farm has generated disagreement among fishermen, environmentalists, unions, and property owners. Panelists will debate the objections to this renewable energy, who stands to gain or lose, and the environmental repercussions of what could be the first offshore wind farm in the U.S.

Tuesday, June 17 3:30 p.m.

The Nature Conservancy: Transparency and Accountability of Environmental Groups
David B. Ottaway, Reporter, The Washington Post
Based on The Washington Post investigative series that detailed the strong corporate ties of The Nature Conservancy, one of country's largest nonprofits, Ottaway will talk about the importance of understanding the practices and underlying agendas of environmental groups.

Wednesday, June 18 3:30 p.m.

Ocean Politics and Policy in America: Sizing up the Commissions Reports
Dr. John Farrington, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
The Pew Charitable Trusts and the U.S. Congress each created commissions to review the state of the global oceans. The findings of these reports are due to be announced shortly. What are the outcomes and how will ocean policy change as a result?

Thursday, June 19 3:30 p.m.

Environmental Business: Corporate America Prepares for Climate Change
Mindy S. Lubber, Executive Director, Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies
Climate change is still a question mark for many American businesses. But shareholders are beginning to apply pressure on corporations to address climate change in their business plans. Lubber, the former Regional Administrator for EPA New England, will describe the cost effectiveness of addressing climate change using examples from DuPont, British Petroleum, and Alcoa.

Friday, June 20 11 a.m.

Science Literacy and Public Policy: Why Americans Need to Know
Dr. David L. Evans, Under Secretary for Science, Smithsonian Institution
Stem cell research, global warming, endangered species, natural resource allocation, GMOs, artifical intelligence-many of today's most pressing public issues are either caused by or informed by science. What does the public need to know to participate in a functioning democracy?

The public lecture series is sponsored by the Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting. For information, call 401-874-6211 or visit the Metcalf Institute website at www.gso.uri.edu/metcalf.